Instructor: Dr. Watson Email: watsons@parklandsd.org (I check this daily and prefer email) Phone: Kratzer School, 610-3351-5820; Cetronia School, 610-351-5860
Notebook: Please acquire a 3-ring binder with pockets for class. This course WIKI is the "text" for the course, but you will receive a course workbook. Please add this to your 3-ring binder.
BRIEF ASSIGNMENT: Notebook Check #1: Have your notebook, with course workbook, prepared by the due date given by your instructor. GRADE: 5 points if complete by the due date.
Course Description This semester long course will introduce students to the theory and fundamentals of using software and hardware tools for producing music (including desktop PC, waveform editor, multi-track recording software, synthesizer keyboard, signal processing plugins, computer music notation software, and microphone technique). The class will stress application and creative content, using a series of creative activities and projects which students exposure to performing with electronic instruments, multi-track recording (both MIDI sequencing and live instruments), music arranging, generating performance materials for others (typesetting music), and equipment configuration.
A pre-requisite to this course is 1) a solid practical knowledge reading and performing written music notation on some instrument (i.e. piano, guitar, bass, trumpet, violin, etc.), - OR - 2) Music Theory 1, - OR - the recommendation of one of the Music Department faculty (Mrs. Creeden, Mr. Lerew, Mr. Anonia, Dr. Watson).
This course is a hands-on, applied class delivering to class members an experience with four or five music software applications: iTunes (for playback, mastering, and burning), Audacity (waveform audio editor), GarageBand (Entry-level Digital Audio Workstation), Finale (music notation), and Digital Performer (Pro-level DAW). These programs represent a large portion of the types of things musicians are doing with music technology at this time, and span in sophistication from entry-level to professional. Although there will be some flexibility to work ahead, this course can only cover beginning to intermediate types of operations.
Most of the course work will be applied, but some theory will be presented in order to explain some of the terms and operations in which we engage.
Grading Points are assigned to each course activity. Student’s grades will be calculated by dividing the total points possible by the total points awarded. There will also be a “Class participation” grade, equal to a test grade, awarded.
Course Activities (class activities and larger projects). Most assignments will be completed in class, but some may or may not require extra time in the lab.
Class Participation (how I believe you are using you time in the pursuit of course objectives in class).
Late Homework Policy: If you are absent, the normal district policy prevails for turning in assignments (or making up quizzes, tests). Once per marking period I will allow you to turn in an assignment late if you share with me a good reason (it is up to you to see me to make this arrangement). Otherwise, students receive no credit for homework turned in late. I do recommend completing and submitting assignments even when they are late so you may benefit from instructor feedback.
A cumulative final grade will be calculated by averaging grades for the two quarters (no final exam).
Schedule I trust students will engage in class activities with a serious effort toward accomplishing the goals of the course. I will try to be observant and responsive to students and may make adjustments when necessary.
Class meets second period each day; please be prompt and in your seat on time. Unless I instruct you otherwise, bring your notebook with course packets to every class meeting.
Music Production SYLLABUS [RETURN]
Instructor: Dr. Watson
Email: watsons@parklandsd.org (I check this daily and prefer email)
Phone: Kratzer School, 610-3351-5820; Cetronia School, 610-351-5860
Notebook: Please acquire a 3-ring binder with pockets for class. This course WIKI is the "text" for the course, but you will receive a course workbook. Please add this to your 3-ring binder.
BRIEF ASSIGNMENT: Notebook Check #1: Have your notebook, with course workbook, prepared by the due date given by your instructor. GRADE: 5 points if complete by the due date.
Course Description
This semester long course will introduce students to the theory and fundamentals of using software and hardware tools for producing music (including desktop PC, waveform editor, multi-track recording software, synthesizer keyboard, signal processing plugins, computer music notation software, and microphone technique). The class will stress application and creative content, using a series of creative activities and projects which students exposure to performing with electronic instruments, multi-track recording (both MIDI sequencing and live instruments), music arranging, generating performance materials for others (typesetting music), and equipment configuration.
A pre-requisite to this course is 1) a solid practical knowledge reading and performing written music notation on some instrument (i.e. piano, guitar, bass, trumpet, violin, etc.), - OR - 2) Music Theory 1, - OR - the recommendation of one of the Music Department faculty (Mrs. Creeden, Mr. Lerew, Mr. Anonia, Dr. Watson).
This course is a hands-on, applied class delivering to class members an experience with four or five music software applications: iTunes (for playback, mastering, and burning), Audacity (waveform audio editor), GarageBand (Entry-level Digital Audio Workstation), Finale (music notation), and Digital Performer (Pro-level DAW). These programs represent a large portion of the types of things musicians are doing with music technology at this time, and span in sophistication from entry-level to professional. Although there will be some flexibility to work ahead, this course can only cover beginning to intermediate types of operations.
Most of the course work will be applied, but some theory will be presented in order to explain some of the terms and operations in which we engage.
Grading
Points are assigned to each course activity. Student’s grades will be calculated by dividing the total points possible by the total points awarded. There will also be a “Class participation” grade, equal to a test grade, awarded.
Late Homework Policy: If you are absent, the normal district policy prevails for turning in assignments (or making up quizzes, tests). Once per marking period I will allow you to turn in an assignment late if you share with me a good reason (it is up to you to see me to make this arrangement). Otherwise, students receive no credit for homework turned in late. I do recommend completing and submitting assignments even when they are late so you may benefit from instructor feedback.
A cumulative final grade will be calculated by averaging grades for the two quarters (no final exam).
Schedule
I trust students will engage in class activities with a serious effort toward accomplishing the goals of the course. I will try to be observant and responsive to students and may make adjustments when necessary.
Class meets second period each day; please be prompt and in your seat on time. Unless I instruct you otherwise, bring your notebook with course packets to every class meeting.